we expect to lay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we expect to lay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing future plans or intentions, particularly in a context where something is being established or set down. Example: "In the upcoming meeting, we expect to lay the groundwork for our new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With this effort, we expect to lay a foundation for formulating reasonable improvements to future treatment protocols.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Muller did not expect to lay eyes on Obama.

The Guardian

The companies expect to lay off 300 workers, or 5percentt of their combined staff, after the merger.

The New York Times

Customers in India can expect to lay their hands on the Ubislate next month.

TechCrunch

But a great actress we do expect to lie out as naked as possible, and the only reason she should be in a movie is because we want to have sex with her.

The New York Times - Magazine

In addition, it expects to lay off eight teachers.

The New York Times

AMD was expected to lay off a significant number of its staff.

The New York Times - Tech

More recently it said it expects to lay off 500,000 workers from the sector.

The Guardian - Business

Analysts said Morgan Stanley was not expected to lay off employees this year.

The New York Times

At a House Democratic retreat in Virginia on Thursday, Representative Nita Lowey of New York is expected to lay out the domestic side.

The New York Times

Within a year, the board is expected to lay out the educational and professional framework for the technicians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we expect to lay", ensure that the object following 'lay' clearly indicates what is being established or created. For instance, "we expect to lay the foundation" is more specific than "we expect to lay."

Common error

While "we expect to lay" is acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "anticipate", "intend", or "aim" for greater stylistic impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we expect to lay" functions as a declarative statement of intention. It outlines a plan or anticipation to establish something in the future. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in academic, news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we expect to lay" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express future intentions, particularly in establishing foundations or groundworks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable, with a professional but neutral register. While acceptable, vary your language in formal writing. Be clear about what you are establishing, and consider synonyms like "we anticipate establishing" or "we plan to set" to avoid repetition. Use it thoughtfully across news, science, and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we expect to build

Highlights the construction and creation aspect.

we anticipate establishing

Emphasizes anticipation and the act of making something firm or stable.

we anticipate developing

Emphasizes the expectation of future development.

we plan to set

Highlights the planning aspect of establishing something.

we plan to construct

Focuses on the planning aspect of the construction phase.

we intend to establish

Focuses on the intention behind creating a foundation.

we aim to create

Highlights the goal-oriented aspect of the action.

we foresee building

Implies foreseeing the construction or development of something.

we project to develop

Focuses on a formal projection or forecast of development.

we look forward to forming

Expresses anticipation and excitement about the formation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "we expect to lay" in a sentence?

Use "we expect to lay" to introduce the establishment of a foundation, groundwork, or plan for future actions. For example, "We expect to lay the groundwork for the new project next quarter."

What can I say instead of "we expect to lay"?

You can use alternatives like "we anticipate establishing", "we plan to set", or "we intend to establish" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we expect to lay the foundation" or "we plan to build the foundation"?

Both phrases are correct, but "we expect to lay the foundation" emphasizes the initial establishment, while "we plan to build the foundation" focuses on the construction process. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "we expect to lay" in formal writing?

It's suitable in situations where you're outlining the initial steps or preparations being made for a future endeavor. However, consider alternatives if you find yourself using it repeatedly to maintain a varied writing style.